STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1609-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.C.R. No. 149

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 149 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO PROVIDE CONSISTENT, IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION AT COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION INITIATIVE MEETINGS RELATED TO RED HILL REMEDIATION EFFORTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the United States Navy to:

(1) Provide consistent, in-person participation at Community Representative Initiative meetings related to Red Hill remediation efforts;

(2) Provide regular public updates on water quality testing, remediation timelines, and ongoing environmental safeguards; and

(3) Engage directly with affected residents and provide clear and timely reporting on progress.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply; Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition; Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi; Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Shimanchu Wai Protectors; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that in response to the 2021 Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility fuel leak, a Community Representation Initiative (CRI) was added to the Environmental Protection Agency-approved 2023 Red Hill Administrative Consent Order and CRI meetings were held from September 16, 2023, through December 16, 2025. Your Committee further finds that the CRI created an opportunity for local stakeholders to engage in the remediation conversations, including with the United States Navy, which was obligated to attend CRI meetings. Your Committee recognizes that the Navy's obligation to attend CRI meetings ended on February 11, 2026, and that continued participation from the Navy would help maintain an open dialogue and promote transparency. Accordingly, this measure urges the Navy to continue to participate in these meetings and provide certain updates to the public.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 149 and recommends that it be referred to your Committees on Public Safety and Water & Land.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,

____________________________

NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair